Former Grange Hill and The Bills star George Armstrong has died aged 60.
The actor, best known for playing Alan Humphries in the children’s TV drama, died on July 11 after a ‘long battle with leukaemia’.
Announcing the news on Twitter, a Grange Hill fan account wrote: ‘I’ve just heard the very sad news that George Armstrong aka Alan Humphries passed away yesterday.
‘RIP George. A true Grange Hill legend xxxx’
Tributes poured in on Twitter after the news broke on Thursday, with one fan writing: ‘This is so sad. He was a legend.’
Heartbreaking news: Former Grange Hill and Bills star George Armstrong has died aged 60
Devastating: The actor, who was best known for playing Alan Humphries in the children’s TV drama, died on July 11 after a ‘long battle with leukaemia’.
Another wrote: ‘So sad. Rip GH and tuckers luck. See you all the time. The way of youth. The stars of our childhood are floating in front of our eyes.
A third added: ‘A character from my childhood. Such sad news, thoughts with his family and Gran Hill friends
One said: ‘Sad news. I met him a few years ago. top chap’
Another wrote: ‘So sorry to hear of the passing of this lovely man. RIP George Armstrong, remembered by many as #GrangeHill’s Alan Humphries xx #70s #80s.’
Born in London, George began acting at a young age but landed his first notable role as Hubert Lane in 1977’s Just William. He starred opposite Bonnie Langford in the television adaptation.
Grange Hill, which premiered on BBC1 in 1978 and ran until 2008, is a popular children’s television drama series depicting life at a comprehensive school.
The show deals with common school issues such as bullying as well as hard-hitting storylines such as racism, drugs and teenage pregnancy.
Alan Humphries became one of the original main characters of the TV series between 1978 and 1982.
Announcing the news on Twitter, a Grange Hill fan account wrote: ‘I’ve just heard the very sad news that George Armstrong aka Alan Humphries passed away yesterday. RIP George. A true Grange Hill legend xxxx’
Tributes poured in on Twitter after the news broke on Thursday, with one fan writing: ‘This is so sad. He was a legend.’
Throwback: Todd Carty as Tucker Jenkins, George Armstrong as Alan Humphries and Terri Sue Pate as Benny Green
GRANGE HILL: BACK (l-r) Vincent Hall as Michael Doyle, George Armstrong as Alan Humphries, Mark Eady as Andrew Stanton, Unidentified Man, Todd Carty as Tucker, Unidentified Woman, Terri Sue Pate as Benny Green and Robert Morgan as Justine Bennett. Front (L-R) Michelle Herbert as Trisha Yates, Lindy Brill as Cathy, Linda Slater as Susie McMahon and Ruth Davis as Penny Lewis in 1978
Played by George from episode one to series 5, the character joined Todd Carty’s Tucker Jenkins for three series of the spin-off ‘Tucker’s Luck’.
Grange Hill Gold was fortunate enough to speak with George about early auditions, set friendships, favorite moments and more in this exclusive interview.
After his time at Grange Hill, George continued to pursue acting opportunities and in 1989 took on the role of PC Driscoll in The Bill.
Since giving up acting, George – who lived in Waltham Abbey – became a technical theater manager at a public school.
The cast celebrates 40 years of Grange Hill in 2018: (L-R) Lisa Skates, (plays Christine Everson), Joan Boakes, (plays Anita Unsworth), Mark Baxter, (plays Duane Orpington), Linda Magistris, ( (starring Susie McMahon), George Armstrong, (starring Alan Humphries), Anna Home (commissioned Grange Hill), Paul McCarthy, (starring Tommy Watson)